Distance

Distance usually refers to numerical measures of how far apart or close together objects are, based on a standard physical length, or estimations based on other criteria (e.g. "two counties over"). In mathematics, a distance function or metric is a way of describing what it means for elements of some space to be "close to" or "far away from" each other, according to a specific set of rules. In a more general sense it can refer to differing ranges of similarity, diversity, complexity or conceptual dimensionality, beyond those distinguished by any simple linear or numerical measures.

I see not a step before me as I tread on another year;But I've left the Past in God's keeping,—the FutureHis mercy shall clear;And what looks dark in the distance may brighten as I draw near.

Mary Gardiner Brainard, Not Knowing, published in The Congregationalist (March 1869), and set to music as a hymn by Philip Paul Bliss in the 1870s, as quoted in Glimpses of Christian History Presents More Stories: Blessed Bliss (2007) by Thomas Corts.

'T is distance lends enchantment to the view,And robes the mountain in its azure hue.

By this time, like one who had set out on his way by night, and travelled through a region of smooth or idle dreams, our history now arrives on the confines, where daylight and truth meet us with a clear dawn, representing to our view, though at a far distance, true colours and shapes.

Our senses enable us to perceive only a minute portion of the outside world. Our hearing extends to a small distance. Our sight is impeded by intervening bodies and shadows. To know each other we must reach beyond the sphere of our sense perceptions. We must transmit our intelligence, travel, transport the materials and transfer the energies necessary for our existence. Following this thought we now realize, forcibly enough to dispense with argument, that of all other conquests of man, without exception, that which is most desirable, which would be most helpful in the establishment of universal peaceful relations is — the complete ANNIHILATION OF DISTANCE.

When wireless is perfectly applied the whole earth will be converted into a huge brain, which in fact it is, all things being particles of a real and rhythmic whole. We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance. Not only this, but through television and telephony we shall see and hear one another as perfectly as though we were face to face, despite intervening distances of thousands of miles; and the instruments through which we shall be able to do his will be amazingly simple compared with our present telephone. A man will be able to carry one in his vest pocket.